The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory to its citizens against travelling to some parts of Kenya over terror risks.
This come just hours after the U.S. Embassy issued a terror alert to American nationals in the country.
Through its website yesterday, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office listed various places in the country that are high terror risk advising Britons against all but essential travel to said places.
The regions identified as risky include areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Eastern Garissa County (up to 20km north-west of the A3), Mandera County (excluding Mandera West sub-county)and areas within Tana River and Lamu County.
FCDO advices UK citizens that it is more important than ever to have travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover.
All foreign nationals have been advised to carry a form of identification at all times as well as a copy of their passport.
Earlier on February 9, the US Embassy issued an alert saying that “Locations frequented by U.S. citizens and other foreigners and tourists in Nairobi and elsewhere in Kenya continue to be attractive targets to terrorists planning to conduct potentially imminent attacks.”
The Embassy cautioned that terrorist groups could attack with little or no warning, targeting hotels, embassies, restaurants, malls and markets, schools, police stations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners and tourists.
Subsequently, The UK office has advised British nationals to be vigilant adding that “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya.”
The government of Kenya is yet to issue a statement over the alleged terrorism threat.
In its statement, the FCDO said “There is a heightened threat of terrorism, including terrorist kidnappings, across Kenya.”
“Attacks, including terrorist kidnappings, could target Westerners, including British nationals. Attacks could occur at any time, including around religious or other public holidays or celebrations.”
